Career Development Opportunities
NEVBD is dedicated to helping you advance your career and loves to share career development opportunities provided by our network and partners. Explore the current opportunities:
Public / Private Sector Opportunities
POSITION: Research Entomologist, USDA, ARS
DESCRIPTION: Develop novel approaches for surveillance and management of ticks of importance for human and animal health, as well as conduct basic research on ticks that impact humans and their companion animals. Identify and describe the chemical ecology of biting ticks and devise sustainable and environmentally-safe chemical and biological methods for integrated pest management (IPM) of ticks. Develop creative laboratory methodologies for working with live ticks, such as new methods and approaches for field collection and monitoring of ticks, artificial tick feeding and rearing systems, and bioassay methods. Coordinate and collaborate with other scientists within the laboratory, at other ARS locations, and at domestic and foreign research institutions. Develop new, cost-effective, and sustainable strategies for controlling native insect pests and newly introduced invasive species using biological, molecular, chemical, and nonchemical approaches.
QUALIFICATIONS: Degree: entomology; or a related discipline of the biological or physical sciences that included at least 16 semester hours in entomology. OR combination of education and experience: courses equivalent to a major that included course work as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. Evaluation of Education: Applicants with major fields of study in biology, zoology, or invertebrate zoology may fully meet the basic educational requirements if their academic preparation included substantive instruction (including appropriate laboratory and field work) in basic general entomology, taxonomy, physiology, ecology, general and organic chemistry, general physics, and mathematics or statistics that provided some training in the analysis of variables.
HOW TO APPLY: Apply by 11/01/2024. Applying online is highly encouraged.
POSITION: Vector-Borne Disease Epidemiologist/Entomologist, New Jersey Department of Health
DESCRIPTION: The Vector-borne Disease Unit is seeking a Research Scientist 2/Vector-borne Disease Epidemiologist/Entomologist to design and implement surveillance, research, and public health response activities associated with vector-borne disease pathogens and for tick vectors of public health concern. Responsible for analyzing vector-borne disease data (human, vector, animal), and producing weekly surveillance reports used by the NJ Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), NJ Department of Agriculture (NJDA), Rutgers University, and other public health and vector control partners to target mosquito control and education activities. Oversees the state’s tick surveillance program for ticks of public health concern in NJ to investigate and measure tick presence and abundance and estimate pathogen presence and prevalence.
QUALIFICATIONS: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master’s degree in a discipline appropriate to the position. The ideal candidate will have academic credentials in epidemiology and/or entomology, and demonstrated knowledge and/or experience in infectious disease surveillance and epidemiology, tick surveillance, strong data manipulation and analysis skills working with large databases, and the ability to analyze and visualize data using SAS, ARC-GIS, R, or Tableau; biology and epidemiology of vector-borne diseases, lab-based approaches for diagnosis of vector borne diseases and/or pathogen detection; demonstrated ability to work as part of a team and communicate effectively orally and in writing to diverse audiences.
HOW TO APPLY: Apply by October 8th, 2024.
POSITION: Laboratory Manager, Tribal Environmental Testing Laboratory, Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua, and Siuslaw Indians
DESCRIPTION: The Laboratory Manager will be responsible for the administration, implementation, and growth of the laboratory program under the supervision of the Natural Resources and Culture Director and Assistant Director. This position will supervise and coordinate laboratory facility activities, supervise laboratory technicians, and ensure successful execution of testing activities. The Department of Natural Resources and Culture (DNRC) mission is to research, monitor, assess, manage, conserve, protect, enhance, utilize, and restore the cultural and natural resources within the Tribes’ area of interest. Natural resources are cultural resources, and many of the Tribe’s values, meanings, and identities are closely linked with features and ecological components of this landscape. The environmental programs within the DNRC’s work supports a robust monitoring program for the health and protection of these resources and the landscape. DNRC staff implement various plans for monitoring baseline environmental trends, investigate pollution due to spills, disturbance, emission-causing climate change, ocean acidification, etc., undertake damage assessments, and implement restoration and effectiveness monitoring where possible. Staff work collaboratively to merge the best available science with Indigenous Knowledge through various programs for the benefit of Tribal membership and future generations.
QUALIFICATIONS: Must be at least 25 years of age. Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, Biology, or other related field. Minimum 3 years of laboratory or Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) or Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) experience.
HOW TO APPLY: Apply online.
Academic Opportunities
POSITION: Assistant Professor, Medical/Veterinary Entomology, Michigan State University
DESCRIPTION: The Department of Entomology at Michigan State University (MSU) invites applications for a full‐time, 9-month tenure track Assistant Professor of Medical/Veterinary Entomology with a 70% research, 25% teaching, and 5% service assignment. The position start date is anticipated to be 16 August 2025. We seek candidates with expertise in arthropods of human and animal health significance. Areas of interest may include cellular to global scales; interactions of arthropod vectors with pathogens, symbionts and other microbes using state-of-the-art genomic and/or other technologies; basic and applied questions at the individual, population, community or ecosystem levels; and big data modeling within a multidisciplinary, systems biology and One Health approach.
QUALIFICATIONS: Doctorate - Entomology, Ecology, Veterinary Science, Epidemiology, Public Health, Microbiology/Parasitology, or related discipline. A record of excellent scholarship commensurate with their career stage as demonstrated by peer-reviewed publications; and potential to be successful in securing funding for research on arthropods of human or animal health significance.
HOW TO APPLY: Review of applications begins 31 October 2024.
POSITION: Research Associate, Cornell University Department of Entomology
DESCRIPTION: A Research Associate position is available in the laboratory of Courtney Murdock at Cornell University (Ithaca, NY, USA), for a highly motivated candidate to study how different environmental drivers impact host-pathogen interactions and transmission in the Asian malaria mosquito (Anopheles stephensi) - human malaria (Plasmodium falciparum) system. The research project, funded by NIH (R01 AI153444-01), will utilize data generated from experiments that define key relationships between temperature, relative humidity, and transmission, along with climate data collected in the field, to build mechanistic models of temporal and spatial variation in urban malaria.
QUALIFICATIONS: Candidates must have a Ph.D. in immunology/microbiology/host-microbe interactions or a related biological discipline, be self-motivated, and have excellent communication (verbal and written English) and organizational skills. Prior post-doctoral experience. Solid molecular biology and cell culture skills, experience working with parasites in vertebrate hosts and / or mosquitoes, and a strong proficiency in statistics and data analysis is preferred. Comprehensive knowledge of or interest in learning how ecological and evolutionary concepts and theory apply to infectious disease is highly desired.
HOW TO APPLY: Applications will be reviewed as received, continuing until a suitable applicant is identified.
Internship, Fellowships, & Postdoctoral Positions
POSITION: Postdoctoral Position in Mosquito Molecular Biology and Arbovirology, University of Missouri
DESCRIPTION: A postdoctoral position is immediately available for a candidate to work on molecular mosquito-arbovirus interactions in the laboratory of Dr. Alexander Franz, Dept. of Veterinary Pathobiology at the University of Missouri (vpbio.missouri.edu). The position is for a collaborative, NIH-funded research project to 1) further develop and optimize a group of highly innovative antiviral effector molecules; 2) generate transgenic mosquitoes harboring these novel effectors; 3) test the transgenic mosquitoes for their level of resistance to a range of arboviruses including Zika, chikungunya, and dengue viruses.
QUALIFICATIONS: Experience with at least one of the following: molecular research on arthropods, molecular biological laboratory techniques, mosquito genetics/transgenesis, and/or the study of mosquito-arbovirus interactions. The candidate should hold a Ph.D. in microbiology, vector biology, entomology, or virology and should be highly motivated with a keen interest to develop and pursue innovative approaches to address this exciting research topic.
HOW TO APPLY/DEADLINE: To apply, please send via email a CV, a cover letter indicating research interests and career goals, and names and email addresses of three references to Dr. Alexander Franz (franza@missouri.edu). Candidates should have authorization to work in the U.S.A. For full consideration, submit applications by November 15th, 2024 (applications are accepted until position is filled). Salary range follows the NIH guidelines, and postdoctoral fellows are University benefits eligible. For further enquiries, please contact: Dr. Alexander Franz, Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, 303 Connaway Hall, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia MO, 65211, Phone: 573-884-2635, Email: franza@missouri.edu.
POSITION: Postdoctoral Research Associate, USDA Agricultural Research Service
DESCRIPTION: The USDA, Agricultural Research Service, Invasive Insect Biocontrol and Behavior Laboratory, Maryland, is seeking a POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCH ASSOCIATE (Entomologist) for a TWO-YEAR APPOINTMENT. Ph.D. in Entomology or a closely related field within the past 4 years is required. Salary is commensurate with experience ($82,764 - $107,590 per annum) plus benefits.
QUALIFICATIONS: US citizenship is required. The incumbent will conduct laboratory studies to evaluate various chemical compounds and natural products with the goal of developing more effective tick repellents and acaricides for personal protection and host-targeted tick control. Research techniques include repellency and toxicity bioassays, EthoVision-based behavioral analysis, and/or insect sensory physiology. Knowledge of chemical ecology, tick / insect behavior, chemical repellents and pesticides and experience in tick membrane feeding system or electrophysiology are desirable.
HOW TO APPLY/DEADLINE: Send application materials and references to Dr. Andrew Li, USDA/ARS/BARC, Bldg. 306, Room 213, 10300 Baltimore Avenue, Beltsville, MD 20705 or e-mail (Andrew.Li@usda.gov). USDA/ARS is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
POSITION: CDC Postdoctoral Fellowship in Molecular Entomological Surveillance
DESCRIPTION: A research opportunity is available in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) located in Fort Collins, Colorado. The participant will be involved in projects to learn about the development and improvement of molecular tools that inform decisions regarding vector mosquito control and surveillance. They will be trained in laboratory workflow development, specimen processing and management, next-generation sequencing, PCR assay development, and data analysis with a variety of tools (command line using CDC’s cluster computing resources, programs such as Geneious and CLC Genomics, and the online bioinformatics platform Galaxy). The fellow will have the opportunity to develop their own related side project if desired.
QUALIFICATIONS: The qualified candidate should have received a doctoral degree in the one of the relevant fields. Degree must have been received within the past five years.
HOW TO APPLY/DEADLINE: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
Professional Development & Training Opportunities
eCornell Online Program in the Biology of Mosquitoes, Ticks, and Other Disease-Causing Arthropods
The Cornell Department of Entomology has partnered with eCornell to provide a 4-week online training program on the biology of arthropods — both insects and related forms — that impact human health. You will explore the fascinating biology, behaviors, and disease-transmission processes of a range of organisms, with special emphasis on the most important groups, including ticks and mosquitoes. You will also learn about specific diseases associated with these vectors that can be passed on to humans. The course is appropriate for those working in healthcare and vector-borne disease control, those who train and supervise outdoor workers, and will also be useful for students of vector biology who may not have access to other courses on this topic. $399 total cost. Enrollment discounts may be available. This course has been approved for 28 contact hours of continuing education with the National Environmental Health Association.
Visit the course page for information on the next course cohort.
eCornell Online Program in Vector-Borne Disease Surveillance
The Cornell Department of Entomology has partnered with eCornell to provide a 4-week online training program to help you understand the tools, methodology, and best practices for the surveillance of arthropod vectors, including ticks and mosquitoes. You will gain the knowledge and resources necessary to design an effective vector surveillance program in your local jurisdiction. The course is intended to train and create a network of public health practitioners, from a variety of backgrounds, in entomology and in the approaches, techniques, and skills required for effective surveillance programs. $399 total cost. Enrollment discounts may be available. This course has been approved for 28 contact hours of continuing education with the National Environmental Health Association.
Visit the course page for information on the next course cohort.
American Mosquito Control Association e-Modules
The e-modules cover basic mosquito biology, surveillance and control with an emphasis on Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus
American Mosquito Control Association Integrated Mosquito Management
To help train the nation’s vector control work force on the principles of Integrated Mosquito Management and how to execute data-driven mosquito control, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) funded the AMCA to create a virtual training program. This program consists of 13 modules created and instructed by 24 different experts located throughout the U.S., Puerto Rico, and Australia. Each module contains a reading from the AMCA’s Best Practices for Integrated Mosquito Management manual, a focused video on the topic between 13-33 minutes long, and a 10-question quiz covering both the reading and lecture. After completing the training program, a student may choose to take a 100-question, comprehensive exam to earn a certificate recognizing their accomplishment.
Certification in Public Health Entomology
The Midwest Center of Excellence in Vector-Borne Diseases (MCE-VBD) is offering a certificate in Public Health Entomology to recognize and provide basic skills related to the surveillance and management of mosquito- and tick-borne diseases. The certification process is open to anyone affiliated with MCE-VBD partner organizations with interest in developing skills in vector-borne disease surveillance and control.
CDC Learning Tools for Health Care Providers
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provide web-based continuing medical educational (CME) resources for health care providers on Lyme disease diagnosis and treatment, as well as other tickborne diseases.
Lyme Disease CME Tickborne Disease Videos Rocky Mountain spotted fever Toolkit Diagnosis and Treatment of Ehrlichiosis and Anaplasmosis Viral Tickborne Disease Training Diagnosis & Management of WNV
Entomological Society of America Certification Programs
The Entomological Society of America Certification Corporation offers two certification programs for professionals who work with insects:
- Board Certified Entomologist - program for professional entomologists with degrees in entomology or a closely-related field
- Associate Certified Entomologist - program for pest management professionals with strong training and experience in insect-related work, but without academic training required of professional entomologists
- Public Health Entomologist (PHE) Certificate - program for pest management professionals who work with pests that pose a health risk
Entomological Society of America Professional Advancement Career Training (PACT) Initiative
Graduate Students and Postdocs in Entomology: Are you looking for tools and training to make yourself stand out as you look for the next step in your career? ESA’s new Professional Advancement Career Training (PACT) Initiative will help you develop the leadership capacity and “soft skills” sought after in today’s highly collaborative work environments—both within and beyond academia.
EPA Integrated Pest Management Webinars
The EPA Center for Integrated Pest Management hosts a yearly webinar series featuring experts from across the country relaying educational and practical strategies for establishing and improving integrated pest management programs in your facilities and environments.
Upcoming Webinars Previous Webinars
Global Vector Hub: Directory of Medical Entomology Courses
TDR has supported the development of a Global Atlas of Medical Entomology Schooling (GAMES), which lists a total of 126 medical entomology courses offered both on-campus and through distance learning in 32 countries across all WHO regions, covering seven languages. For each course, session dates, course outline, fees, language of instruction and responsible managers are listed.
Follow the link below to gain access to the directory. Please register on Global Vector Hub.
Mosquito Training Course for Pest Managers
The Southeastern Center of Excellence in Vector Borne Diseases, along with partners in the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, is pleased to announce a new online course in mosquito training for pest managers. Participants who complete the 11 modules in the course will learn to identify and understand the mosquitoes of major importance in the urban environment, their life cycles, the general methods of control, personal protective equipment required for safe insecticide application, and the laws and regulations governing mosquito control for the urban pest management industry.
NACCHO’s Practical Guide to Building Local Mosquito Control Capacity
The National Association of County and City Health Officials and its vector control workgroup members identified the need for a focused, practical guide to help local health departments build new local mosquito control programs or enhance existing capabilities in the core competencies.
NEHA Vectors & Pests Webinars
The National Environmental Health Association (NEHA) produces open-access webinars to improve the capacity of environmental health to identify and understand emerging vectors found in the United States. The NEHA Vector & Pests Webinars page provides up-to-date information on vector control topics and resources used to protect the public of the transmission of vector-borne diseases.
Online Tick Training Course
The Southeastern Center of Excellence in Vector Borne Diseases has developed an online tick training course, now available! This course is an introduction to ticks, tick-borne diseases, and tick control for employees in the urban pest management industry, public health entomologists, and anyone interested in learning more about ticks. This self-paced course is eligibile for 2 FDACS CEUs.
Pesticide Safety Education Program, Distance Learning Center
Cornell Cooperative Extension’s Pesticide Safety Education Program (CCE-PSEP), is a federally-mandated program that has been a nationally-recognized leader in pesticide safety education for over 40 years. Their mission is to promote the safe use of pesticides to help reduce risks to applicators, consumers, and the environment. PSEP provides pesticide certification and training throughout New York state and serves as an unbiased source of pesticide information for applicators, researchers and the general public.These courses often carry continuing education credits accepted by New York, Vermont, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Connecticut, and West Virginia. Available courses include toxicity of pesticides, insect biocontrol, integrated tick management, introduction to developing IPM strategies, and more.
Vector Control for Environmental Health Professionals (VCEHP)
A no-cost 11-course learning series developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and partners. Program emphasized the use of integrated pest management (IPM) to address public health pests and vectors that spread disease.
Additional Career Websites
American Mosquito Control Association
American Public Health Association
American Society of Tropical Medicine & Hygiene
Entomological Society of America
Mosquito and Vector Control Association of California
National Association of County and City Health Officials
New Jersey Mosquito Control Association
Regional Centers of Excellence in Vector-Borne Diseases
Society for Vector Ecology
Texas A&M University Entomology Job Board